Could Drew Brees actually return to the football field?

After a 2020 season in which he completed 275 of 390 passes for 2,942 yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions in the regular season, and helped the Saints get to the divisional round of the playoffs, Drew Brees retired from football. He inked a deal with NBC Sports as an analyst — a deal that lasted exactly one year. Brees and the network agreed to terminate the contract, as Brees preferred to do games as opposed to discussing them in the Football Night in America panel, and as the network didn’t have any other games for him to do, that was that.

Reports indicate that FOX Sports might be in play for Brees’ services, as that network needs a color man for Kevin Burkhardt until Tom Brady retires — which might be a decade or two from now.

If that doesn’t work out, there might be another option for Brees. A return to the field?

Perhaps.

Brees appeared excited about the prospects of the Saints’ 2022 season with the free-agency addition of receiver Jarvis Landry defensive back Tyrann Mathieu.

Right now, the Saints’ quarterback depth chart consists of Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton, Taysom Hill, and Ian Book. Not exactly an inspiring way to start for new head coach Dennis Allen. Things were so dire for New Orleans at the most important position after Winston’s injuries last season, former Saints head coach Sean Payton tried to convince Brees to unretire late in the season. Brees was said to give it serious thought, but eventually nixed the notion as he wouldn’t have sufficient time to prepare. Not to mention the fact that the Saints’ roster was leveled by COVID at the time.

As for now? Brees recently underwent surgery on his non-throwing shoulder, which would obviously complicate things. But say he’s healthy soon enough to hit training camp in New Orleans or elsewhere. Brees turned 43 on January 15, and he hasn’t played since January 17, 2021, when his Saints lost in that divisional round to the eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, throwing three interceptions in a 30-20 loss. Not the best way to go out.

Maybe this is about creating leverage for Brees’ next broadcasting gig. Or. maybe there’s something to this, and Brees is looking to add his name to the 2022 NFL quarterback class? And are there teams that would at least try to bite on such an option? We can but wait and see.